90

Today would have been my dad’s 90th birthday. He made it to 86: a “completed life”, so no regrets.

December 31 is what us Dutchies call Old Years Day. It was never a day like other people’s OYD for us, as my father’s birthday overruled that: friends, family, neighbours and colleagues would stop by all day. My mom would spend 2 days in the kitchen making oliebollen and appelbeignets (in our household called appelflappen). Two buckets would be served and finished.

The last years of his life, dad and his wife used to go to Spain during this period, more or less escaping his special day.

So, today I raise a glass to Wout sr. (I am the jr.). No guests, no celebrations, some oliebollen and lots of bubbles. Cheers, dad.